Replacing garage door springs is essential in keeping your garage safe and working correctly. Knowing how to change garage door springs ensures not only the smooth operation of the door but also enhances safety and longevity. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to help homeowners tackle this task effectively, without professional help.
Individuals can save time and money by understanding the process of changing garage door springs while ensuring their garage doors operate seamlessly. This guide covers everything from identifying the need for spring replacement to executing the task with precision and care, safeguarding both the user and the property.
Understanding Garage Door Springs: Types and Functions
Garage door springs help lift the weight of your door so it opens and closes without too much effort. Most garage doors rely on either torsion springs or extension springs to support their operation. Both are essential parts of the system that support the door’s movement.
Torsion springs are installed above the garage door and generate tension by twisting as the door opens and closes. They’re built for heavy doors and usually last longer. Extension springs run along the sides of the garage door and stretch as it opens and closes. They’re usually found on lighter doors and need more regular maintenance.
Knowing the difference between these spring types matters when making repairs or buying replacements. The right garage door spring improves balance, reduces wear on the opener, and helps your door run safely and smoothly.
Importance of Safety When Changing Garage Door Springs
Handling garage door springs requires extreme caution. Because they hold high tension, improper handling can lead to severe injuries. Prioritizing safety involves wearing protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses, and ensuring the garage door is fully closed before beginning any work.
Disconnecting the garage door opener to prevent accidental operation while replacing the springs is crucial. Additionally, using a sturdy ladder for stability and ensuring the work area is clear of obstructions can prevent accidents. Following the right safety steps greatly lowers the chance of getting hurt while replacing garage door springs.
Understanding the potential hazards associated with garage door springs underscores the importance of careful preparation and execution. Homeowners can confidently tackle this task by following safety guidelines, minimizing risks, and ensuring a smooth, successful replacement.
Tools Needed for Changing Garage Door Springs
Changing garage door springs is not just about strength. Using the correct tools is key to staying safe and completing the task properly. Below is a complete list of what you’ll need for success.
- Winding Bars: Use steel winding bars to adjust torsion spring tension safely and prevent slipping or injury.
- C-Clamps or Locking Pliers: Hold the garage door to prevent sudden movement while working on the springs.
- Socket Wrench Set: Quickly remove and tighten bolts on brackets and drums with a reliable socket wrench.
- Tape Measure: Measure spring length and cable tension accurately to avoid balance problems later.
- Marker or Chalk: Mark parts before removal to keep everything aligned during reinstallation.
- Safety Gloves and Goggles: Wear gloves and goggles to protect your hands and eyes from sharp parts and debris.
Having the right garage door tools makes spring replacement safer and easier. With everything ready, you will avoid delays and handle the job with better results and fewer risks.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Change Garage Door Springs
If you’re wondering how to change garage door springs safely and correctly, this step-by-step guide will provide simple instructions. Having the right tools and following each step matters most.
Step 1. Identify Your Spring Type
Check whether your garage door uses torsion springs above the door or extension springs along the sides. This affects the tools and steps you will need.
Step 2. Gather the Right Tools
Before starting, prepare all required tools, such as winding bars, clamps, a socket wrench, a tape measure, and safety gear, to avoid delays or injuries.
Step 3. Release Spring Tension
Use winding bars to slowly and safely reduce tension from the torsion springs before removing them. If you have extension springs, close the door to release the tension safely.
Step 4. Remove the Old Springs
Once the tension is off, carefully unbolt and remove the worn-out springs. As you go, pay attention to the mounting points and cable connections.
Step 5. Install the New Springs
Place the new springs exactly where the old ones were. Make sure everything lines up correctly and tighten the bolts securely.
Step 6. Test the Garage Door
Once the springs are installed, carefully raise the door to see if it moves smoothly and stays balanced. Listen for strange noises and make sure it opens and closes smoothly.
Changing garage door springs may seem challenging initially, but with patience and careful steps, you can do it safely while improving the springs’ performance, safety, and long-term reliability.
Top Mistakes to Avoid During Garage Door Spring Replacement
Several common mistakes can occur while replacing garage door springs, potentially leading to malfunction or injury. Awareness of these mistakes is the first step in avoiding them.
- Incorrect Spring Type: Installing the wrong spring may damage your garage door and affect how it opens and closes. Check the spring’s weight, size, and type before buying.
- Tension Not Set Right: Poor tension causes balance issues. Use winding bars for safe, accurate adjustments.
- Skipping Safety Gear: Not wearing gloves or goggles can lead to injury. Always secure the door before starting.
- No Proper Measurement: The wrong spring size causes a poor fit. Measure length and diameter carefully.
- Rushing the Job: Moving too fast leads to mistakes. Take your time and double-check each step.
Avoiding common garage door spring replacement mistakes starts with careful planning and proper tools. Paying attention to each detail helps your garage door stay balanced, safe, and working properly for years to come.
Signs That Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement
Knowing when to replace your garage door springs can prevent bigger, more expensive problems. Watch for these early signs so you can fix the issue before it affects your door’s performance or safety.
Hard to Open or Close
If your garage door feels heavy or struggles to move, the springs may be worn out and lose tension. This is usually one of the earliest warning signs.
Visible Gaps in the Springs
Check for gaps between the coils, rust, or broken pieces. Any visible damage usually means the spring is no longer working as it should.
Strange Noises During Movement
Loud squeaks, creaks, or popping sounds often point to tension problems or spring damage. These noises are a warning sign that something isn’t right.
Uneven Door Movement
If one side lifts faster than the other or the door looks crooked while moving, it may signal a spring issue affecting the balance.
Door Closes Too Fast
A door that slams shut instead of lowering slowly could mean the springs no longer hold the weight properly and need replacing.
Spotting garage door spring problems early helps avoid major repairs and keeps your door working safely. Regular checks and quick action when signs appear can extend your door’s life and prevent unexpected breakdowns.
How to Maintain Garage Door Springs for Longevity
Regular maintenance can lengthen the lifespan of your garage door springs and lower the risk of sudden issues or breakdowns. A few simple habits can protect your springs and improve the safety and performance of the whole door system.
1. Apply Lubricant Regularly
Use a silicone-based garage door lubricant on the springs every few months. It helps reduce friction, prevents rust, and keeps the springs moving smoothly.
2. Inspect for Wear and Rust
Inspect carefully for any rust, visible cracks, or coils that appear overstretched. Catching early damage helps prevent complete spring failure or door malfunctions.
3. Test Door Balance
Disconnect the garage door opener, then lift the door by hand until it reaches the halfway position. The springs may be worn or out of balance if it doesn’t stay in place.
Consistent spring maintenance reduces wear, improves performance, and avoids major repairs. Taking a few minutes to check and care for your springs can save you time, money, and trouble later.
When to Hire a Pro for Garage Door Springs Replacement
Some garage door spring jobs are just too risky to handle alone. If your system has multiple springs, heavy torsion setups, or hard-to-reach parts, it’s safer to call a garage door repair expert who can handle complex spring systems correctly.
Not having the right tools or feeling unsure about the process is a big reason to step back. Professionals use special equipment to adjust tension and install springs safely. A trusted garage door repair service handles the work, checks the door’s balance, and offers tips to keep everything running smoothly.
FAQs About Changing Garage Door Springs
Why is my garage door not opening after spring replacement?
If your garage door is not opening after spring replacement, the springs may be the wrong size or not properly tensioned. Double-check the installation and ensure the garage door springs are balanced and aligned.
Is it dangerous to replace garage door torsion springs on my own?
Yes, replacing garage door torsion springs on your own can be dangerous due to their high tension. An error while removing or installing the springs can cause severe injuries or damage to the entire garage door system.
What happens if garage door springs are too tight or too loose?
When garage door springs are too tight, the door might not shut or suddenly lift back open. The door might slam shut or feel too heavy to lift manually if they’re too loose.
What risks come with DIY garage door spring replacement?
DIY garage door spring replacement carries risks, such as personal injury, door imbalance, or damage to other parts of the system. Without the right tools and experience, making mistakes that affect safety and performance is easy.
Conclusion
If you’re trying to learn how to change garage door springs safely, this guide has given you the basics you need. But even with the right tools and steps, it’s easy to feel unsure or make a mistake. That’s why knowing when to ask for help is just as important as doing it yourself.
At JT’s Overhead Doors, we offer trusted garage door repair in Mesa, AZ, for homeowners who want the job done right. Whether your door is stuck, the springs are worn, or you just want a safer option, our experienced team is ready to help with fast and honest service you can count on.
Avoid letting a broken spring interfere with your day or cause harm to your garage system. If you’re unsure how to change garage door springs or need expert support, contact JT’s Overhead Doors. We will ensure your garage door is safe, smooth, and working as it should.
End Note
Whether you’re dealing with a broken spring or a noisy opener, JT’s Overhead Doors offers fast, reliable help. Explore our full garage door repair, garage door service, and emergency service options. We also handle garage door maintenance and broken spring replacement to keep your system running safely.
Looking to upgrade? Visit our services page to see what we offer—from new garage doors such as Safeway doors to trusted openers like LiftMaster. Check out our gallery for project ideas and grab deals from our coupons page.
Stay connected through Instagram and Facebook, read expert helpful tips on our blog, and view our full service areas. Get to know our team on the About Us page or reach out now to book your upcoming garage door service through our contact us.
JT’s Overhead Doors
2449 E Lindrick Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85298, United States
+14806623315
